First drive: 2012 Jeep Wrangler

Never mind mud, bring on the roads?

By Howard J. Elmer, Postmedia News

Originally published: August 25, 2011

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Portland, Ore. • A Jeep’s power has always been expressed through its transmission — by clawing its way over obstacles that only a low-range transfer case could manage. However, powered by various in-line four-cylinders and V6s over the years, it often proved to be a bit anemic on pavement. But, for 2012, the all-new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 changes that. This engine bumps up the base horsepower over the previous V6 by 40% — then adds 10% more torque and increases fuel economy by 15%. That’s a big jump.

This new powerplant also happens to come on the 70th anniversary of the iconic brand, which was first built in 1941 for the military. It did so well in battle that civilian versions followed, starting in 1945 with the CJ-2A. This light four-wheel-drive vehicle featured a tiny 2.2L four-cylinder, a manual T-90A transmission, a Spicer 18 transfer case and a full-floating Dana 25 front and Dana 23-2 rear axle. With this setup, it could go almost anywhere — and that’s Jeep’s legacy.

For this introduction, Jeep chose to showcase the new Wrangler in the forests of Oregon, an area where one can still find examples of every generation of Jeep climbing the logging roads of the Tualatin Mountains. In fact, this area is home to the reality TV show Axe Men. Filmed throughout the mountains, it shows the extreme muddy slopes and craggy peaks on which the loggers work — exactly the type of terrain a Jeep happily calls home.

For 2012, the insertion of the 3.6L Pentastar as the standard engine is the big news. Almost as important, however, is that the Wrangler also gets a new five-speed automatic transmission (for the first time). Off-road, its lower first gear ratio improves its crawl mode, while the high end promotes better gas mileage. For purists, a manual six-speed is also available.

Making 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, this compact, all-aluminum V6 is more than 40 kilograms lighter than the previous cast-iron-block 3.8L V6. Weight savings were also realized with accessories that bolt directly to the block, while exhaust manifolds were deleted. Instead, exhaust flows through passages cast directly into the Pentastar’s cylinder head.

With the transmission increasing its gears to five from four, it now operates in a more efficient rpm range, enabling the engine to remain in the torque curve longer and thus improving acceleration. As a result, the 2012 Wrangler has improved its zero-to-100-kilometres-an-hour time to just 8.4 seconds. As for fuel economy, Jeep claims an average of 11.2 litres per 100 km. Also for 2012, the Wrangler has increased its rear axle ratio choices to three — 3.21, 3.73 and 4.10. Its tow rating is also up to 1,587 kilograms.

Driving out to the Tillamook Forest area for the off-road portion of the test, the pavement ducked and dove through 100 km of valleys carved by streams — none of them straight. Here, the V6 shone. With minimal downshifts, its broad powerband pulled the Wrangler through hairpins and up hills, and it gently decelerated downhill with firm engine braking, allowing me to keep my foot off the brakes most of the time. The weight of this powertrain also seems to smooth out the Jeep’s ride, particularly in the two-door Wrangler. The stretched four-door version brought in a new era of on-road ride a few years ago — and this engine suits it even better. However, the shorter two-door has always been a bit rougher. It is much improved with the new V6 installed. This certainly doesn’t hurt the current buyer demographic either, which wants the Jeep’s off-road capability but also wants to give its backsides a break on-road.

Climbing to a ridge top amid clear cuts, I finally got back to what a Jeep is all about — off-roading. The models driven on the mountain top all came with front and rear locking differentials, a two-speed transfer case, disconnecting sway bars, hill descent control and a manual shift mode as part of the automatic transmission. What they didn’t come with was a dust-free cabin — mostly because the tops were off. What a mess for the guy who has to clean these up. It’s a good thing all Jeeps still come with drain plugs in the floorpans. Just pull up the carpet and take the hose to it.

The other thing that hasn’t changed is the price. Even with the new engine and tranny, the 2012 Wrangler’s base price remains the same as the 2011 model’s — $22,595.

The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will continue to be available in four models — Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon. Combine the new powertrain with the interior improvements from 2011 and the lineup is virtually all new.